Product Description

Research scientist Kate Adams and her colleague Daisy are on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy suddenly dies. Kate knows that if it hadn't been for Daisy's mentorship, she wouldn't have the job she loves or the faith she clings to. So when police rule Daisy's death a suicide, Kate is determined to unearth the truth.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker finds it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gives him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation of her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. In fact, despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate looks a bit suspicious herself.

Publisher's Description

Research scientist Kate Adams and her colleague Daisy are on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy suddenly dies. Kate knows that if it hadn't been for Daisy's mentorship, she wouldn't have the job she loves or the faith she clings to. So when police rule Daisy's death a suicide, Kate is determined to unearth the truth.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker finds it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gives him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation of her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. In fact, despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate looks a bit suspicious herself.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

Author Bio

Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. Sandra has also received a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra's books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.

Deadly Devotion is the first book in the Port Aster Secrets series and is also the first book that I have read by Sandra Orchard. I definitely enjoyed it and will be reading more of her books in the future.

The author had me, and the main characters, guessing and following different leads throughout the entire book! Kate and Tom truly had their hands full. There were so many people and potential motives that these two had to sort through.

Deadly Devotion really captured my interest. I was very surprised at the way the author kept the twists and turns going throughout the story. I did, eventually, figure out the culprit, but it was only a few pages before the reveal. She kept me guessing for almost the entire book.

Kate and Tom have the possibility of attraction and of a potential romance in Deadly Devotion. There was often angst between the two, as well. If only they can get over their suspicions of each other and learn to trust again. They both make some judgment errors about each other and that created some serious tension in portions of the story.

This storyline had a lot of interesting information about natural remedies and teas. I really enjoyed the extra details and I feel that those pieces of information enhanced the story and brought Kates passion for tinctures to life for me. Im looking forward to book two and the continuation of this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book of Sandra Orchards that I've ever read. It was fantastic. She did a marvelous job of crafting a twisting and tangling suspense/mystery novel. She had so many suspects in this story and presented just enough about each of them that they were definitely believable as the murderer. I didn't know right up until the end who was the culprit.

I loved both of the main characters, Kate Adams and Tom Parker. They were incredibly well developed and presented. The secondary characters were also well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships between the different characters.

Port Aster sounds like the kind of town I would enjoy visiting not a great deal going on but not so remote that one would fear being cut off from the rest of the world. But even in small, quiet towns, human tragedy still exists. Kate Adamss dear friend, mentor, and boss has been murdered. Actually, the medical examiner ruled it a suicide but Kate is one who cannot accept that her friend took her own life. Tom Parker, the detective who was responsible for handling the case, reiterates to Kate that the case is closed; but she wont let it go. The suspense mounts as events transpire that switch the emphasis from one character to another. It tends to remind me of Clue, a board game I played as a kid. Tom Parkers oft-repeated statement that you cant trust anyone starts to seem valid. The author keeps you guessing whether anyone can be trusted. One thing is clear: Kate really doesnt care who she stirs up in her efforts to prove she is right about her friend. It is great to see how her faith keeps her going even when everyone else seems to be questioning her. I highly recommend this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping suspense story. Because I read the second book in the Port Aster Secrets series, Blind Trust, first, I was somewhat familiar with what was going to happen. That didn't diminish my enjoyment at all. The plot was engaging, exciting, and had me squirming to find out more! The ending leaves a few loose ends, a couple of which are resolved in book 2 if I remember correctly. Each book could be read stand alone, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Oh I love the characters. I love them even more since I really got to understand them. Kate Adams is a fiery and fearless red head that is still learning to navigate a life of faith. Tom Parker is a determined cop, who came back home to re-evaluate his view on life and reconnect with his childhood faith. There are sparks that fly whenever Kate and Tom are together, but neither will admit it. I can't wait to see what happens with them next!

The message was expertly weaved in the story. Everyone, at one time or another, will come up against a side of God they aren't prepared for. We might not understand it, we will question it, but our choice to follow God and trust Him despite the circumstances will strengthen us in the end.

Overall, this is an intriguing story with a deep message. I hope you enjoy it!